We would like to inform you that the U.S. Department of State Summer 2016 Student Internship Program (unpaid) deadline has been extended through October 23, 2015.

We are now accepting applications for the U.S. Department of State Summer 2016 Student Internship Program (unpaid).

Please visit http://careers.state.gov/intern/student-internships for more information about the U.S. Department of State Summer 2016 Student Internship Program (unpaid), and to start the online application process via USAJobs. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is October 23, 2015 (new deadline).

Visit USAJOBS.gov to view the announcement: U.S. Department of State Summer 2016 Student Internship Program (unpaid).

We highly encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.

If you have any questions or would like to search for topics of interest, please visit our forums or FAQs at careers.state.gov.

We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State.

Name: Jatin Chhikara 

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Mozilla Corporation

Position Title: User Experience Design Engineer

Major(s)/Minor(s): Human-Centered Computing (Master's)

Expected Graduation Year: May 2016

Briefly describe your internship, co-op,  or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.

My major responsibilities included: making new concepts that involve user centric design in prototyping for the Firefox desktop, and conducting user studies to check the new design concepts by making and testing user plans for the prototypes. In addition to this, I was also involved in user research for the Firefox desktop; my goal was to understand how users perceive and use Firefox in their daily life.

Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.

Mozilla was the first company where I applied for an internship at the end of last October. I found out about the internship program online through Mozilla's career website. Classes which I had that semester were directly related to the interview, so they helped me in preparation. I also watched lot of interviews of established icons, like Don Norman, related to UX domain to prepare.

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?

The most exciting part of this internship was making a positive impact on millions of people all around the globe through my work. I have been given the responsibility to lead a project which is a great learning process. I am learning user centered design methodologies for making new concepts into reality from a UX point of view. The UX team for Firefox is geographically scattered all over the world, so daily communication (using different tools such as Vidyo and IRC) and weekly meetings helped me understand the dynamics of working with a geographically-dispersed team. 

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

Three projects that I worked on will be implemented in the new version on Firefox in the future. This internship has given me opportunity to provide good user experience to millions of Firefox-users scattered around the globe. I am able to break all the barriers of countries and cultures by contributing to a product that is same for everyone. It has also helped me align my academic experience with the practical industry work from an engineer and designer's point of view.

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

The first piece of advice I would give is to start applying early as giant like Mozilla, Google, Facebook, etc. start hiring interns around November. I would suggest that know yourself well in terms of what knowledge, interests, and passions you have. Focus on what you want and give your all to that. A good online portfolio is a good way to share your existing projects and interests to the hiring manager. Seeking help from alumni and the Career Center will provide you with lot of opportunities to build network.

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One of the many cool things about the Career Center is our collaboration with companies, including the NSA. The NSA is inviting UMBC students to attend their sixth annual NSA Women in Intelligence: Making a Difference event on Tuesday, November 10^th from 4pm-8pm at their Headquarters in Fort Meade, MD. If you’re interested in an internship or a full-time job with the NSA, I highly recommend trying to attend this! This event will provide a lot of information on their agency and the various career opportunities they offer. It will also be a great chance to network with agency employees! This is open to all majors, but they are mainly hiring for these fields:

Computer/Electrical Engineering

Computer Science

Cybersecurity

Information Assurance

Mathematics

Foreign Language

Intelligence Analysis

Cryptanalysis

Signals Analysis

Finance & Accounting

You can check out any additional opportunities they’re offering at their website: www.nsa.gov/careers.

Be sure to RSVP as soon as possible! RSVP with a copy of your resume to ciyenga@nsa.gov. The deadline is October 27. And if you’re interested in interning for the NSA, the deadlines for internship applications are TODAY October 15^th and October 31^st depending on the program.

If you’re unable to attend this event, no problem! The NSA frequently comes to campus to inform and recruit our students, and they also post their available jobs onto UMBCworks. When you log into your UMBCworks account, you can click on the employer section and search the term “National Security Agency.” It will show you all of the times that they will be on campus, and all of the jobs posted from their agency!

Government jobs are a great opportunity to build your professional network, earn excellent benefits, and get right into the field of work that you’ve been preparing for. On Wednesday, October 21^st from 5:30 to 7:30pm, the General Services Administration will be explaining the mission of their agency and answer questions about their job postings. If you’re a Pre-Medical or Pre-Pharmacy major, I highly recommend you attend! They have been ranked one of the best places to work in the Federal Government! You can check out their career information page here.

On Thursday, October 22^nd from 5 to 6pm, The Defense Security Service is coming to campus to give information on what they do, their paid and unpaid internships, and how to utilize USAJobs.gov. You can check out their website and job/internship opportunities here.

I highly recommend Computer Science majors to attend the DSS information session, but this is also for anyone who is interested in a government job. Even if this isn’t the company you’d like to work for, it is always a good idea to consider internship opportunities to gain professional experience. Plus, at the information session you can learn a lot about USAJobs, which is the main site that Federal employers work with to get resumes.

Government applications can be much more extensive and detailed than a traditional resume and cover letter. These companies usually have very strict standards for what they are looking for. Don’t let yourself get too stressed or overwhelmed by this! Make an appointment with a Career Specialist in the Career Center and they’ll help you make sure you have a strong application prepared!

When it comes to government agencies, the Career Center also has a partnership with the National Security Agency. In fact, I just posted an exciting recruitment opportunity that you can find here!!The NSA frequently comes to campus to inform and recruit our students, and they also post their available jobs onto UMBCworks. When you log into your UMBCworks account, you can click on the employer section and search the term “National Security Agency.” It will show you all of the times that they will be on campus, and all of the jobs posted from their agency! You can do this for any of our employer partners. Check out the list here.

If you’re not looking for a government job, you should still check out our calendar of Recruiting and Career Events to see when employers are coming on campus! Every week we have representatives from companies come in to give information on their mission and the kind of roles they are hiring for. In fact, Google is coming on Friday, October 30^th!  Check out our entire calendar here.

Below are featured events and internship/employment opportunities that have recently been posted or have application deadline dates that are quickly approaching!  To see all that the UMBC Career Center has to offer YOU, please visit our myUMBC group page or log into your UMBCworks account!

FEATURED EVENTS….

On the Road: Constellation Energy and Mindgrub, Friday October 16, 2015, 9 am – 1 pm - Join Career Center staff as we take you out to visit Constellation (Trade Floor). Take a tour of the facility and hear about internship and future career opportunities.

2015 Fall Career & Internship Fair, Wednesday, October 14, 2015, 11:130 – 3:30, RAC.  View announcement to see the Fair Directory prior to the event to map out your strategy so you can get the most out of the fair!

NEW! Inside Scoop: Digital Marketing & User Experience
Monday, October 19, 2015, 12 noon – 1 pm

NEW! UMBC Connects: Next Century Corporation
Wednesday, October, 21, 2015, 11 am – 2 pm

NEW! Grad School 101 Conference
Wednesday, October, 21, 2015, 4:30 pm – 8 pm

UMBC Connects: Amazon
Thursday, October, 15, 2015, 11 am – 2 pm STOP IN WHEN YOU ARE ABLE! No need to stay for the entire event!

INFORMATION SESSIONS….

Information Session: FINRA
Tuesday, October 13, 2015, 5 pm – 7:30 pm

Information Session: The Nielsen Company
Wednesday, October, 14, 2015, 6 pm – 8 pm

Information Session: Meso Scale Diagnostics, LLC.
Thursday, October, 15, 2015, 6 pm – 7 pm

NEW! Information Session: Textron Systems
Monday, October, 19, 2015, 6 pm – 7 pm

NEW!  Information Session: Morgan Stanley
Tuesday, October, 20, 2015, 5 pm – 7 pm

NEW!  Information Session: United States General Services Administration
Wednesday, October, 21, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm 

NEW! Information Session: Defense Security Service
Thursday, October, 21, 2015, 5 pm – 6 pm 

****************************************************************************************************

NEW!  On-Campus Interview Deadlines

Enterprise Holdings
Spring/Summer 2016 Management Intern & Entry- Level Sales Management Trainee
Deadline to Apply:  October 13
Interview Date:  October 27

National Security Agency (NSA)
Data Scientist and Software Engineer
Deadline to Apply:  October 15
Interview Date:  October 29

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
IT Audit Associate
Deadline to Apply:  October 16
Interview Date:  October 30

Deloitte
Federal Business Technology Analyst and Intern
Deadline to Apply:  October 16
Interview Date:  October 26

Harford Mutual
Information Technology Internship
Deadline to Apply:  October 16
Interview Date:  October 30

CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
Deadline to Apply:  October 18
Interview Date:  October 30

Enterprise Holdings
Deadline to Apply:  October 18
Interview Date:  October 27

National Security Agency (NSA)
Deadline to Apply:  October 18
Interview Date:  October 29

Lockheed Martin
Deadline to Apply:  October 19
Interview Date:  November 2

Kohl’s Department Stores
Deadline to Apply:  October 20
Interview Date:  October 28

Morgan Stanley
Deadline to Apply:  October 20
Interview Date:  November 3

Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Deadline to Apply:  October 21
Interview Date:  November 4

Basy’s Inc.
Deadline to Apply:  October 22
Interview Date:  November 5

FEATURED FULL-TIME & PART-TIME JOBS, INTERNSHIPS, AND RESEARCH POSITIONS

Summer Intern and Full-time Opportunities at Deloitte

Entry Level Opportunities w/ Actuarial Research Corporation

Internship and FT Opportunities with Stanley Black & Decker

Keep an eye on the Career Center website (http://careers.umbc.edu/) for all upcoming events and programs!  Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors….this is an excellent opportunity for you to learn more about career paths…whether you are exploring possibilities or searching for an internship or full-time opportunity!

There are only two days left until the Fall Internship and Career Fair! Join us from 11:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14th in the RAC to meet 130 employers that want to hire you. Before then, don't forget to take a look at the Career Fair Directory to find out more about who will be attending!

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Perfect Pitch: How to Nail Your Elevator Speech

You ride the subway, grab a coffee, and get to the office—it’s your typical Monday morning, until,bam! You step in the elevator and find yourself face-to-face with the CEO of your dream company or the client you’ve been dying to land.

She smiles and says, “Hi. What do you do?”

Scary? Absolutely. But it could happen to you—tomorrow—and you’ll want to be prepared.

The aptly named “elevator speech” or “elevator pitch” is a concise, compelling introduction that can be communicated in the amount of time it takes someone to ride the elevator to her floor.

Even if you’re never caught heading up to the 39th with someone important, this is an good skill to master when you’re introducing yourself during an interview, a sales pitch, or a networking event. People are busy, and being able to communicate who you are and what you do quickly and effectively will ensure that you get your most important points across, no matter how short the conversation.

Not quite ready for the elevator ride of your life? Check out our step-by-step guide to crafting—and perfecting—your pitch.

1. Start with a Blank Canvas

Take a blank piece of paper and number it from one to 10. Then, fill in the most important bits of information that you want to convey about yourself, your service or product, or your company. What, exactly, do you do? What have you achieved, and what are your goals? Who does your company serve and why? Focus on the most interesting or memorable facts—the ones that really make you stand out from others.

2. Red Pen It

Using a different color pen, edit what you’ve drafted with a critical eye. Eliminate any redundancies, unnecessary or unclear information, and broad business jargon. More importantly, hone and enhance the good stuff. “I’m great at sales” isn’t likely to pique anyone’s interest, but “I’ve exceeded my sales goals every quarter for the last two years” sure might.

3. Pick a Card

Grab five index cards, and label them “Who I Am,” “What I Do,” “How I Do It,” “Why I Do It,” and “Who I Do It For.” Add each item on the list you've created to the card where it fits best. Ideally, you’ll have two compelling sentences underneath each heading, so fill in any gaps if you need to.

4. Get in Order

Organize the cards in a logical order, making sure the most important information is first. Remember, you often only have a few seconds to communicate with someone. If you get cut off, what would you want her to walk away remembering?

5. Add an Attention-Getter

Add an interesting fact or stat to use at the beginning of your speech. Your goal is to immediately engage someone so that he or she is intrigued and wants to learn more.

6. Practice!

Recite your pitch to close someone who can be objective, and ask for constructive feedback(although we love our friends and families, sometimes they think we can do no wrong!). What may seem clear in your mind might come across as convoluted, long-winded, or fragmented to an outside observer.

7. Record Your Pitch

Once you’ve gotten feedback and honed your pitch even further, record yourself saying it. Listen to your tone—make sure it’s friendly, non-threatening, and that you’re not talking a mile a minute (knowing you only have a few moments to speak may subconsciously increase your pace). Really listen to what you’re saying—make sure you’re not repeating words and that you’re sending the message you really want to convey.  

8. Ride the Elevator

The next time you ride an elevator (alone), practice your speech. First, giveyourself some time by going to the highest floor. Then, try giving your pitch from a middle floor and from the first to the third floor, too. Having to make just a few brief moments count will help you to hone the words you need and scrap the ones you don’t!

This week, set aside some time to craft your elevator pitch (or dust off the one you’ve used before). You just never know who you might face tomorrow morning.

Photo of woman in elevator courtesy of Shutterstock.

Name: James Gallagher 

Internship, Co-op or Research Site: Lockheed Martin

Position Title: Communications Intern in the Ethics Department

Major(s)/Minor(s): English, Media & Communications Studies

Expected Graduation Year: May 2017

Briefly describe your internship, co-op,  or research opportunity, including your day-to-day tasks, responsibilities, and assignments.

I didn’t have clearly defined job duties or anything like that. More or less, in the words of my supervisor, I'm there to "wordsmith." Wherever the Ethics department needs it, I work with words to create a solid, usable product. That could be infographics, memos, news articles, social media posts, reports, presentations, talking points, or any number of other assignments. My responsibility is to help wherever I can by creating effective and engaging ways of communication. 

Describe the process of obtaining your internship, research, or co-op opportunity.

This internship came to me completely out of nowhere. I spent tons of time on UMBCworks, but for whatever reason I didn't end up at any of the places I found there. My mom actually forwarded me the Lockheed Martin intern application page, but I have no idea how she found it. I came so, so close to not applying because I didn't have much passion to work for a tech company. I wanted to work somewhere artsier, somewhere smaller, somewhere with more creativity. But at the last minute, I did apply, because I was applying to as many places as I could. After putting in my name for a "non-tech" internship, I received a phone interview, and it was a good ride since. I'm so happy I applied and gave it a chance, because it's been such a great experience. Sometimes you find a fit where you don't expect it, so never rule anything out. 

What have you enjoyed the most about your position or organization/company?

It's a very supportive workplace. Everyone stops to talk to me, everyone says hi in the hallway, and we have a lot of group lunches. That support isn't just social–it's also professional. I've had coworkers bring my resume places without me ever asking; I've been introduced to more people than I can count for the sake of networking; no one's ever too busy to answer a question that I have. As an intern, it seems like you're supposed to stay quiet and stay out of sight, but at Lockheed Martin it's the opposite. Every one of my coworkers is actively trying to create learning and professional opportunities for me, and I'm very grateful. 

How do you believe you have made an impact through your work?

It would be easy to talk about the overarching big picture impacts of improving Ethics and ethical conduct in a formerly corrupt field. But that's not really where I see my impact. Sure, the daily tasks that I completed contributed to that broader mission, but my impact was much more immediate. Just by being there, by providing my feedback in conference calls, by helping facilitate training sessions, by putting more time into tasks than a “real” employee ever could, I helped my team do their jobs. I built some great relationships at Lockheed Martin, so that's a great impact for me, but it goes both ways. By being helpful and willing to work, I helped my team accomplish so much and I made their summer a little easier. 

What advice would you give to another student who is seeking an internship or similar experience?

The biggest thing I would say is never to dismiss an opportunity. There were all kinds of things I didn't want to do this summer. I was never really interested in script writing, I didn't want to attend a trade conference, and I was too shy to want to spend time with my VP. But I did all of them and I learned from them, and I think I'm in a better position now than I was before. I love my comfort zone more than anyone, but I'm realizing that it's true–you have to leave your comfort zone sometimes. I wouldn't have gotten anything out of this summer if I hadn't. 

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Want to be the next Intern of the Week? Make sure to fill out this form and stay tuned. New interns are announced every Friday!